1 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM Having trouble viewing this email? Click here June 21, 2012 or on our all new web page FBHI.ORG keep up-to-date with continual updates on our web page! Dear Roma, ---------------------- Hello Friends! I'm thrilled to announce that our season on the harbor and islands has started off with a BANG! And in July there will be some rather literal 'bangs' happening in the harbor. Thank you to those that signed up for our harbor boat trips by purchasing tickets on our website. Our Rainsford Island trip in May SOLD OUT as well as our June 20 Little Brewster and our July 2nd Tall Ships/Gray Ladies/Navy Ships Trips. Visit our web page and buy your ticket(s) for one or many of the remaining trips of the season. I'm excited to share a note from our Volunteer Coordinator Carol Fithian to learn about our Volunteer Program this summer, as well as a note from Kevin Rogers with our Library Outreach Program. Our Board has been busy planning and keeping things afloat. We have been working on some exciting new outreach programs thanks to a 'Everyday Grant' from the National Environmental Education Foundation and Toyota Foundations. Also the Boston Maritime Society has generously provided some
2 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM additional funds that will be purposed towards creating a new story-telling opportunity for the Friends. we are excited for this opportunity. Our web page continues to attract new members and visitors. We hit a new high as today, as I'm writing to you. Please note this milestone below. I can't thank you enough for transforming our path forward. Before you get to the guts of this newsletter I want to share a new application to enhance your participation. We invite you to review and perhaps join "NURIDES", which is a loyalty web page. NURIDES encourages GREEN commuting whether it be by carpooling, taking the bus, train, boat or bike. In return for signing up for NURIDES, members (including FBHI members) can obtain 'points' that are redeemable for discounts on area restaurants, museums and merchandise. Thank you for reading, and thank you most of all for your support. If you're on the harbor this summer and would like to write an account of your experience, please send it to me for an issue of Tidings. We may print your story for all to see! ChairmanFBHI@gmail.com Thank you! Walter Hope, Co-Chair PO Box 121020, Boston MA 02112 for personal notes, and stories...
3 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM It was announced that Mass Maritime Academy will be staffing the marina at Spectacle Island and later the moorings in the harbor. While there may be some adjustment in rates, current information is available by checking MASSMARITIME-SPECTACLE. The Island Alliance is responsible for the contract and arrangement with Mass Maritime. While we're happy that a able-bodied contractor has stepped up to the dock for this task, we hope that the fees, which are initially much higher than in the past, can be adjusted. Advisory Council Meeting (June 6th) As Chairman, of FBHI I was privileged to attend the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area Advisory Council meeting, on June 6th, with Steve Marcus and many other interested persons. Solid Waste - We learned that the DCR has entered into a contract with Lauri Webster to work on a solid waste initiative for the park. While many of us understand the notion of taking what we brought to the islands home with us (pack it in, pack it out), there are many that do not. The issue has been studied in the past, and Lauri will be able to bring some concrete proposals to the table. Peddocks Island Update - On the weekend of June 9-10, Peddocks Island opened to the public after several years of being officially closed off. The closure was necessitated due to the dangerous conditions of many of the buildings at the fort. Collapsing structures and asbestos are just some of the issues. After several years of stabilizing some buildings and demolition of others, the East Head portion of the island is just about ready for visitors. The old guard building is now a 'welcome center' with a space in the rear which will be available for special events and meetings (for rent), limited food service (cart) is anticipated to be starting at some point (hopefully
4 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM by Summer Shack). A new float system is in place for docking, but only for touch & go for recreational boaters, as the system is primarily for water taxi and ferry service. 6 yurt sites and 6 tent camping sites are being built and they will all have access to water and electricity The Alliance has been a driving force behind the renovations, and will be working with DCR to program activities on the island this summer including: yoga, concerts by Berkley School of Music and Shakespere's "the Tempist" on the beach at some point this summer. DCR will also be working with cottage owners to revise the permitting and leasing of the existing cottages. The National Park Service (NPS) has contracted with the University of Idaho to come up with a system to count the number of visitors to the park. As you visit many of the islands this summer, look for people at the docks and road entrances that may be counting visitors. In many locations there will be electronic devices counting away. These improved visitation figures can better track our successes in tracking visitors to the islands. This data can also aid in demographic outreach and potential grant proposals. Using the existing numbers from Boston's Best Cruises visitation on their boats is already up 60% in May over last year's numbers, or 25% increase over 2010's May statistics. It is nice to see more and more of you enjoying the islands. At an earlier Council meeting, Suzanne Gall-Marsh, had expressed her concern about visitors visiting the middle and Western heads of Peddocks, and the potential restroom needs of the visitors. At this time, the only restroom facilities will be on East Head. Check out the construction photos of Peddocks Island East Head can be found at PEDDOCKS ISLAND - CONSIGLI George's Island - The pier at George's Island has undergone a $1.4 million dollar renovation designed to keep it functioning until further funding and rebuilding can be identified. The right-hand pier (closes to Hull) is still closed off as it is dangerous, the left-hand pier (closest to Gallops Island) is also shut down. The central pier has had the decking removed, pilings
5 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM replaced, and all new decking installed. The central pier will be used for commercial boat docking and loading/unloading. Between the central pier and the left pier is a floating system for use by the Boston's Best Cruises bow loading/unloading boats. There is still no dockage for touch and go docking for recreational boaters. This issue was brought up at the meeting, and a potential funding source was mentioned. The park is looking at installing moorings at George's Island. Tall Ships While at the Advisory Council Meeting, the NPS updated us on the War of 1812 Commemoration that is being celebrated on the harbor this summer. On June 29th, Navy Ships from around the world will be stationed in our harbor. There will be a few docked at the Black Falcon Ship Terminal in South Boston. The USCG Tall Ship Eagle and USS Wasp will dock at the Charlestown Navy Yard, and other tall ships will dock at the Fish Pier in South Boston. While specifics are still being worked out, we do know that there will be a very specific traffic flow for ALL marine traffic while the Tall Ships are in-town, and that this will be enforced by a large contingent. Check our web page for further information as it becomes available. On July 4th the USS Constitution will depart the Navy Yard with the USCG Eagle following. Once they reach Castle Island, a mock battle will occur with participation from a National Guard unit, and then look overhead for an amazing display of air-power. To learn more about visit these web sites: NAVY WEEK TALL SHIPS/OPSAIL. Please note that as of this writing, the FBHI Tour of the Tall Ships by boat is SOLD OUT Volunteering on the
6 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM Boston Harbor Islands The season is well under way and we have a great crew of new and returning volunteers heading out to the islands. In mid May We had a great day on Georges Island with both Department of Recreation, Conservation (DCR) and National Park Service rangers. Hugh Hawthorne, Program Director of Youth and Visitor Services (NPS) Boston Harbor Islands, presented the new "Boston Harbor Islands 101" training slideshow about the park. Boston Light Volunteers also began their training for the season. The new departure location is at Central Wharf in Boston. On June 9th, we had a wonderful day on Spectacle Island with fabulous weather and a wonderful talk by former island resident Kate Rivera. She gave a tour and shared historic photos of life on the islands from the 1930's, 40's and 50's. There will be an advanced training on Georges Island on June 23rd. Senior volunteer Jack Zeletsky will present a slideshow and talk on the Civil War and its relationship to Georges Island. He will give a detailed tour of Fort Warren after the slideshow. Although this is meant as an advanced training for Georges Island volunteers, FBHI members are welcome to come out to Georges and join us. Campground Host training will be held on June 23rd on Bumpkin Island. Lovells Island Training will be held on July 7th Peddocks Island training is tentatively scheduled for July 14. If you are interested in attending any of these please e-mail me at fithiancj@verizon.net or call the FBHI Volunteer Office at 978 356 4406.
7 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM Our web page continues to change and is continually updated. A chart showing the number of visitors monthly is below. We're working hard so that all of our business can be performed on the internet as this is not the way of the future - but of NOW. Thank you for visiting our web site - and tell a friend about this wonderful resource! Your ticket purchases and memberships can all be completed online (ticket purchases online provide you with a receipt which is also now your TICKET, removing the need for mailing tickets and the delay that can also create). Coupled with our web page, we've now included information on every existing island in the harbor (see : ISLAND INFORMATION ). If anyone would like to provide additional information, links, or photos please contact ChairmanFBHI@gmail.com - we must provide credit and URLs for pre-existing information. In many cases if you 'google' one of the harbor islands, our web page comes up in the first 5 items. We've partnered with NURIDE a web-based service that encourages people to commute to work with others, or to use public transportation (bus, boat, train), or by bike and walking. Our members can now take advantage of this service and earn points. The points are redeemable for discounts at restaurants, museums and on merchandise. CLICK to join NURIDE
8 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM Participating rewards include: Fuller Crafts Museum, Wadsworth Atheneum, Franklin Park and Stone Zoos, Ecotarium, Cambridge Brewery, Green Mountain Coffee, Dicks Sporting Goods, Finale Restaurant, Fahitias and Ritas, and many more! Boat Haul Discount at Admiral's Hill Marina Our member discount for a boat haul at Admiral's Hill Marina has been very popular with boaters. Please be aware that the discount is ONLY on the haul, and does not include other services (storage, repairs) while at the marina. JOIN the Friends to take advantage of the 20% discount for your boat haul! Remember, our other boating discounts include 50% off BOAT US Membership, 10% off Sailing Lessons at Black Rock Sailing School, 20% off BHC Boat Trips including the Provincetown Fast Ferry! See our MEMBERSHIP PAGEto learn more! Library Outreach Project Volunteers Kevin, Elaine and Alyce have been busy getting displays exhibited at local libraries. This successful program has promoted the islands and FBHI at many cities and towns over the past several years. For the month of June we expect displays will be visible at: Lynn, Malden,Revere,Sherborn, Millis, Plympton, Marshfield, Holbrook, Winchester, and Hamilton-Wenham libraries. For an impressive list of the libraries that we've had displays at in the past see LIBRARIES on our web page (click on the 'about us' tab to find the Library Legacy tab). Many thanks to Kevin, Paula and Alyce for getting the word out!
9 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM Elaine at the Lynn Library Alyce at the Swampscott Library
10 of 10 9/13/2012 4:17 PM RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR DONATE TO THE FRIENDS ONLINE WITH A CLICK OF YOUR FINGERS If you haven't renewed your membership you can do it via the FBHI web site and PayPal by clicking here. Please consider donating to the Friends. Please click here. Forward email This email was sent to info@fbhi.org by chairmanfbhi@gmail.com Update Profile/Email Address Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe Privacy Policy. Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands 30 Shipyard Drive #202 Hingham MA 02043